• Taiwan Foundation for Democracy Fellowships

  Every year, the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy grants a limited number of fellowships to scholars and practitioners from outside Taiwan who wish to pursue research related to Taiwan’s democracy and human rights. The TFD divides its fellowships into four categories: Dissertation Fellowships, for PhD candidates writing their thesis; Postdoctoral Fellowships, for those who have recently received their PhD; Democracy and Human Rights Service Fellowships, for those who want to be involved in democracy and human rights projects in Taiwan; and International Visiting Fellowships, for experienced democracy and human rights practitioners.

• Timing of Fellowships

  TFD Fellows may reside in Taiwan for up to one year to conduct research topics of their own choice that are related to Taiwan’s democracy and human rights. There is no minimum length for fellowships, but please remember that all Fellows are responsible for completing their projects successfully within the time allotted to them. Please also note that all fellowships must end in or before December of the same calendar year in which they begin. No fellowships may span 31 December / 1 January.

• Responsibilities

  The TFD will provide the following services to each of its Fellows:

  1. a monthly stipend designed to assist with living expenses in Taiwan
  2. a reimbursement for a round-trip ticket from the applicant’s current location to Taiwan
  3. shared office space at the TFD, including computing facilities and internet access
  4. use of the TFD office for events related to the Fellow’s research (with permission from the TFD on a case-by-case basis)
  5. access to the TFD’s collection of research materials
  6. access to the TFD’s network of scholars
  7. assistance in making contact with persons relevant to the Fellow’s research when necessary
  8. TFD business cards

  Likewise, TFD Fellows are responsible for the following items:

  1. planning and coordinating all research activities, including making contact with interviewees, arranging for translation services, and designing an appropriate timetable for the Fellow’s research
  2. submitting a progress report every two months
  3. submitting a written, academic report of the results of the project by the end of the fellowship, in addition to a public, oral presentation at the TFD on the results of the project
  4. obeying all laws of the Republic of China, as well as any legal fees or penalties that result from a failure to obey those laws
  5. all travel arrangements to and from Taiwan, including visas
  6. housing and transportation in Taiwan
  7. all expenses beyond the Fellow’s stipend and airfare reimbursement
  8. consulting with TFD staff before traveling outside of Taiwan during the period of the fellowship

  The TFD staff is more than happy to provide assistance and answer questions when necessary, but please remember that the TFD is not responsible for coordinating its Fellows’ research projects. Fellowship applicants who are ultimately granted fellowships typically have clear project plans, have done background research on their topic before applying, and are ready to begin their projects when they arrive.

• Use of the TFD Office

  The TFD offers shared office space at the TFD to all Fellows, although Fellows are not obligated to conduct their research at the TFD. Please note, however, that the TFD cannot give office keys to Fellows, which means that Fellows must be accompanied by at least one TFD staff member while in the office. The office is generally available to Fellows from 9:00 – 18:00 from Monday through Friday, and often after hours on those days.
  
  

• Travel outside of Taiwan

  The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy provides its Fellows with a monthly stipend to assist with their living expenses while they conduct their fellowship research in Taiwan, and does not generally grant funding for time spent outside of Taiwan. However, we recognize that TFD Fellows occasionally find opportunities to travel outside of Taiwan during their fellowships that contribute to their fellowship research. The TFD will consider continuing regular fellowship funding to Fellows for time spent abroad, provided that:

  • The purpose of the trip is to further their field research on Taiwan and is directly related to the research topic described in their fellowship application
  • They inform the TFD of their plans to travel abroad and provide a thorough overview of planned activities abroad
  • They receive approval from the TFD
  • They report the results of their travel to the TFD after returning to Taiwan

Such funding will be granted on a case-by-case basis and must be pre-approved by the TFD. TFD Fellows will not receive funding for time spent abroad if they do not fulfill the conditions listed above. In addition, the TFD will not provide reimbursements for extra travel expenses, for example airfare, travel tax, or shipping costs.

WALKTHROUGH OF THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Special notice: the 2022 fellowship program remains open during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the TFD will review applications and make funding decisions, according to the normal schedule. However, the actual start/end date of executing the research in Taiwan may subject to change depending on the border control regulations of the respective countries.

Step 1: Determine which fellowship category you are eligible for

• If you meet the following 4 criteria, you are eligible for a Dissertation Fellowship:

1. You are enrolled in a full-time PhD program or equivalent in a field related to your proposed research topic
2. You will have completed all your PhD requirements by the appropriate date
3. You intend to undertake research related to Taiwan’s democracy or human rights
4. You are not a citizen of Taiwan

• If you meet the following 4 criteria, you are eligible for a Postdoctoral Fellowship:

1. You have a PhD in a field that is relevant to your proposed research
2. You received your PhD no more than seven years ago
3. You intend to undertake research related to Taiwan’s democracy or human rights
4. You are not a citizen of Taiwan

• If you meet the following 3 criteria, you are eligible for a Democracy and Human Rights Service Fellowship:

1. You are a practitioner devoted to the promotion or building of democracy or human rights (and have an MA in a relevant field or at least two years of relevant work experience) at the time of application
2. You intend to undertake a project designed to promote democracy or human rights in Taiwan
3. You are not a citizen of Taiwan 

• If you meet the following 3 criteria, you are eligible for an International Visiting Fellowship:

1. You are a well-established scholar or expert in the field of democracy or human rights
2. You intend to undertake research related to Taiwan’s democracy or human rights or engage in a democracy or human rights promotion project
3. You are not a citizen of Taiwan

Step 2: Decide when you intend to conduct your research or project    

• The TFD is no longer accepting new applications for research projects to be implemented in 2022. Applications are now open for research projects to be conducted in 2023. Application deadlines shown here will apply to all 4 categories of fellowship.
• If the starting date of research projects falls between January and April, applicants must send application forms in hard copy to TFD before the 1st deadline- October 15 2022. Others are also welcome to submit research projects to be conducted between May and December before the 1st deadline.
• If the starting date of research projects falls between May and August, applicants must send all application materials in hard copy to TFD before the 2nd deadline- February 15, 2023. Others are also welcome to submit research projects to be conducted between September and December before the 2nd deadline.
• The 3rd deadline- June 15, 2023, applies to the projects only to be conducted between September and December, 2023. Applicants must send all application materials in hard copy to TFD before the 3rd deadline.
• If you are applying for a Dissertation Fellowship you must submit additional proof that all your PhD requirements (except for your dissertation) are completed before your application.
• Dates are subject to change when necessary.
• Note: please note that all projects must be completed within a single calendar year (which is also the Foundation's fiscal year).
• Note: Both the Application Form (in hard copy) and the other documentation should reach our office no later than the close of business on the date of the deadline. Please be sure to allow adequate time for delivery, especially for the hard copy of the Application Form; note that being postmarked before the deadline is not sufficient. If the deadline falls on a weekend or a public holiday in Taiwan, applications will be received until the close of business of the Foundation's next working day.

Step 3: Submit all application materials

•   Note: All applications materials should be sent to TFD in hard copy with the original signature on the application form. The reference letters should be sent to TFD directly from the referees with the original signatures. Since all materials should be received by the TFD before the application deadline, please allow sufficient time for delivery. Late submission will be deemed ineligible and be turned down directly.

• If you are applying for a Dissertation Fellowship:
• Send the hard copy of a Dissertation Fellowship application form, containing:
• Contact information
• Doctoral studies information
• Description of research plan
• Curriculum vitae
• Ask two referees to send the reference letter directly to TFD at fellows@tfd.org.tw with their official email account before deadline
• Do not forget to submit proof that you have completed all your PhD requirements, except the dissertation, by the appropriate date indicated in the “Calendar” section

• If you are applying for a Democracy and Human Rights Service Fellowship:
• Send the hard copy of a Democracy and Human Rights Service Fellowship application form, containing:
• Contact information
• Description of research plan
• Curriculum vitae
• Ask two referees to send the reference letter directly to TFD at fellows@tfd.org.tw with their official email account before deadline

• If you are applying for a Postdoctoral Fellowship:
• Send the hard copy of a Postdoctoral Fellowship application form, containing:
• Contact information
• Doctoral studies information
• Description of research plan
• Curriculum vitae
• Ask two referees to send the reference letter directly to TFD at fellows@tfd.org.tw with their official email account before deadline

• If you are applying for an International Visiting Fellowship:
• Send the hard copy of Fellowship application form, containing:
• Contact information
• Description of research plan
• Curriculum vitae
• Ask two referees to send the reference letter directly to TFD at fellows@tfd.org.tw with their official email account before deadline

•Instruction for sending reference letters: please email the reference letters as PDF files bearing the original signature to fellows@tfd.org.tw before the deadline. Please use your official email accounts instead of personal accounts.

Writing samples, such as previous research papers or publications, are welcomed but not required.

Note: If there should be any question regarding the application, you can email to fellows@tfd.org.tw.

Step 4: Review process

Upon receiving the original copies of all your application materials, including your references, the TFD will notify you that all materials have been received. Your application will then begin the review process.

• After reviewing your application, the TFD may contact you to arrange a time to conduct a phone interview.
• The TFD will notify you of its final decision usually within 3 months corresponding to three deadlines.

 *Special notice: TFD will prioritize the funding for fellows who have not received funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the same calendar year. The TFD fellowship receivers can only choose one of both programs in the same calendar year. The applicants who have received the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship in the same year may also be declined for this reason. Please notify your case officer or the fellowship program officer (fellows@tfd.org.tw) if you already received it.

Step 5: Notification of the TFD’s decision

• If your application is accepted, congratulations! Please follow the instructions below:
• The TFD will mail 2 copies of an official acceptance letter to the address you provide in your application form. Sign both copies. Send one signed copy back to the TFD and keep the other for your records.
• After finalizing the dates of your project through discussion with the TFD, purchase your ticket to Taiwan.
• If your application is rejected, you are welcome to apply again at a later date.

Step 6: To prepare before leaving for Taiwan

• If you know your contact information in Taiwan:
• Send it to the TFD before you leave your home country.
• Verify the information on your TFD business cards in advance to ensure that they are ready for you shortly after you arrive in Taiwan.

Before you leave your home country, arrange to visit the TFD shortly after you arrive in Taiwan.

• If you purchased a paper ticket, keep:
• The original ticket stub
• Your airfare invoice
• If you purchased an electronic ticket, keep:
• All your original boarding passes
• Your airfare invoice
• If you want the TFD to pay your stipend to a Taiwanese bank account:
• Provide a photocopy of your account information as it appears in your bankbook. The TFD can make a copy for you when you visit.
• If you want the TFD to pay your stipend into a foreign bank account:
• Request a bank information form from the TFD. Complete the form and email or mail it back to the TFD.
• If you want the TFD to pay your stipend in cash:
• Inform the TFD before you leave for Taiwan so that the TFD can prepare your payment for you when you arrive.

Arrange for your accommodations in Taiwan. The TFD is not responsible for finding housing for Fellows.

Be sure to check Taiwan’s visa requirements for citizens of your country and make the necessary visa arrangements for your stay in Taiwan. The TFD is not responsible for applying for visas for Fellows.

Step 7: Upon arriving in Taiwan

Visit the TFD at the time you arranged before you left for Taiwan.

• If you purchased a paper ticket, please bring the following with you to the TFD:
• Your passport
• Your original ticket stub
• Your airfare invoice
• If you purchased an electronic ticket, please bring the following with you to the TFD:
• Your passport
• All of your original boarding passes
• Your airfare invoice
• If you have already confirmed the contact information on your TFD business cards, collect them from the TFD at your convenience.

Step 8: Begin your research

Remember that if you have any questions or need assistance at any time while in Taiwan, do not hesitate to contact the TFD. However, you are responsible for planning, coordinating, and conducting your own research.

Submit a progress report to the TFD every 2 months. You must submit the report on a form provided by the TFD, although additional oral presentations at the TFD are also welcomed.

You will receive your stipend in installments of 3-4 months. If your fellowship is short or does not divide evenly by 3 or 4 months, your last payment will be smaller than the previous payments.

The TFD provides limited, shared office space for all fellows, so please remember to discuss your needs with the TFD to ensure that you have space available to you at the TFD if you desire it.

Step 9: Requirements by the end of your fellowship

By the end of your fellowship, you are required to give a public presentation on the results of your fellowship research. Make sure to coordinate the location, format, and time of the presentation with the TFD.

If you are a Dissertation Fellow, you are required to submit a copy of the final draft of your doctoral dissertation upon its completion; the dissertation should include an acknowledgement of the support of the TFD.

If you are a Postdoctoral Fellow on the research track, you are required to complete a substantial piece of writing for publication, which should include an acknowledgement of the support of the TFD.

For other types of publications that you produce as a result of your fellowship, you are encouraged to acknowledge the TFD’s support whenever appropriate. However, the TFD generally does not undertake to publish the research or writings of fellows, nor does the TFD take responsibility for the content of such work.

Remember to stay in touch with the TFD after your fellowship!